RTA offers pilot project for bus route from Dickson to Nashville

Dickson commuters to Nashville will have the opportunity to take public transit to downtown Nashville in a two-week pilot project on weekdays through May 9.

The Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee (RTA) will be operating the pilot project beginning April 28 to gauge the interest of commuters in Dickson.

Gray Line of Tennessee, under a contract with RTA, will provide over-the-road coach buses for the route. The buses are equipped with televisions, Wi-Fi and restrooms and can accommodate up to 56 passengers. There is no cost to ride, however, it is on a first-come, first-served basis up to the capacity.

"Accessible public transportation is important to our community," said Dickson County Mayor and RTA board member Bob Rial. "This initiative will demonstrate not only that there is a great need for transit in our area, but it will show our residents how easy and beneficial it is to use public transportation."

Buses depart from a Park & Ride located at Dickson Walmart, 175 Beasley Dr., at 6:40 a.m. and arrive at Music City Central in downtown Nashville at 7:40 a.m.

The afternoon bus will depart from Music City Central Bay 7 at 4:38 p.m. and arrives at the Dickson Walmart Park & Ride at 5:40 p.m.

The pilot project ends May 9.

"We are constantly looking for ways to expand public transit in the region, and this pilot project will raise awareness and demonstrate how convenient transit is," RTA Interim CEO Ed Oliphant said. "If the pilot project is successful, we will plan to offer more permanent transit services for the residents in this community, and will time our trips to accommodate the work schedules of the majority of our customers."

For information go to rtarelaxandride.com or call Customer Care at 615-862-5950 on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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